Avila Bakery & Cafe

We stopped by this place on a whim as we were driving home one day. Such a bright, clean, and welcoming atmosphere. Plenty of open space (it's where El Azul Agave used to be) and customer service was outstanding. The girl behind the counter was super sweet and friendly. She answered all of our questions and made sure we left happy. We picked up the following things to go (keep in mind food times are made to order so there may be a wait, but it's so worth it): We had some empanadas, café con leche (coffee with milk), and some desserts. Chicken empanada - 9/10 - no complaints here! The flavors are super good and the empanada crust was super flakey and fried to perfection! After one bite, I could not put it down. Salchicha empanada - 9.8/10 not sure if I'm correct on the filling, but my husband got it and he said it had some sausage, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese inside. Regardless, it was absolutely delightful and every bite was a joy! I loved the sharp flavor of the cheese with the savory sausage. I believe it was their special empanada. Got some turnovers as well and they were both divine. They were the cold ones not the hot ones. They sell both kinds here and for the hot turnovers, they have apple and peach? flavors and the for the cold turnovers, they have Nutella, dulce de leche, and strawberry! They have numerous desserts to choose from like flan, puddings, donuts, cakes, tres leches, etc. They also have other menu items as well and we plan on trying more of their food options next time! Nutella turnover - 9/10- oh my goodness was this so soft, flakey, and filled to the brim with Nutella inside! It's topped off with fresh whipped cream and my husband and I were fighting for the last piece! It's not too sweet as well and it's definitely a dessert you can enjoy without being burnt out. Strawberry turnover - 7.5/10 - I didn't like this one as much. Still good and I loved how much cream they put. Reminded me of strawberries and cream to be honest! But the strawberry drizzle on top was a bit too artificial tasting for me. Nonetheless, it was still really delicious. Café con leche - 9/10 - probably the best café con leche I've ever had so far. I got it iced and the sweetness level, amount of milk and coffee ratio was perfect (for my liking). I got it with sugar free vanilla syrup and it was delicious!!! Overall, definitely a spot you don't want to pass on. The prices were super reasonable and affordable too! The turnovers themselves were massive and were only $2.50 each!!! Customer service is outstanding and it's such a cute café to work, study, go on a date, or treat yourself out.

My mother in law really wanted to come here for her bday lunch. Heard a lot of great things about it. Walking in, definitely decorated well & nice. Lots of seating and room. Love the bakery case display in the front. My family loved looking at all the options. Everyone was just okay with the food. We all agreed the flavoring/seasoning wasn't the strongest & the shell flavor was very sweet. (Empanadas) Dessert, both cakes had a wet texture like tres leche and I'm not sure if that was explained while buying/asking what it was. I got the Nutella stuffed donut and I really enjoyed that! Customer service was great though! Very sweet staff. Will try again. Want to try a latte next time!

The food lacked flavor and took forever to come. Food did not come together so some people are eating while others have to wait for their food at the table. Cashier got a little sassy with my brother-in-law. Obviously, not trained that the customer is always right. The desserts look good but after the lack of flavor I decided not to risk it by trying them. Overall, not worth the trip.

Overall, the customer service is great and the Venezuelan food is the best in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. We had the pabellon and llanera arepas, along with black beans and rice, and maduros. The food was decent but needed a little more flavoring/seasoning (my personal taste), especially the pabellon, which is my favorite arepa. Took some empanadas and arepitas home for the kids, which they gobbled up very quickly. They loved it all. The bakery looked fantastic, but did not get to try. We will definitely go back to try some other things. Happy to see this place in Orange Park!!

Avila is a local gem, The bakery exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, adorned with traditional Venezuelan decor that adds to the authenticity of the experience. From the cheerful greetings of the staff to the colorful displays of pastries and bread, every corner feels like a welcoming embrace. The tequeños & iced coconut lattes are my fave

Avila is decorated very cute and kept very clean. Staff is really helpful and will explain the various pastries and street foods. The regular looking donut had caramel in it and was by far the best pastry we tried. Loved the various beef foods. That was my favorite. All the finger food was tasty and fresh. Food was sooooo good. The prices are so good. You'll get plenty under $30. Loved our experience and would love to try additional items.

Looking for a place to eat before watching a show at Thrasher Horne. This place is conveniently located near it. We were impressed with the selection of bakery goods offered and the place being clean. The host recommended trying the Avila Sampler to get a little bit of everything. We liked the empanadas, arepas and tequenos included in the sampler. The 904 wings was also crispy and flavorful. The iced latte and cafe con leche was amazing. We will come back to try other things when around this area.

Stopped by to get a to-go order of empanadas. The aroma coming from the kitchen was very enticing, and makes me want to come back to try more of their menu. The young lady at the counter was very patient and helpful with all of the customers. You order at the counter, so she had her hands full! And there are cases of delightful looking pastries and desserts to look at while you wait. I went with the Pabellon empanada & the Salchicha empanada. I also chose a chocolate/nutella brownie. I was a little concerned about the empanadas when I got home as they felt quite greasy coming out of their foil wrappers, but there was not a heavy greasy taste. The Salchicha was amazing. Filled with sausage and was delicious. I had the Pabellon at another time, and although good, with black beans & cheese, it was not one I would order again. The brownie was a disappointment. It was so very dry. I took two bites and tossed it. The frosting was dry and not creamy, and the "cake" part itself was so dry it was not pleasant. I will be back to try other things for sure. It was fairly busy for a late afternoon, so hoping it gets to stick around for a while!

Stopped by to try out a new business and loved the look of the newly designed interior. They offer 3 counters of fresh baked bakery items, and several menus whick offers coffees and food items. My grandson picked out a few bakery goods, and I ordered a chicken and beef empanada and a cafe con Leche. The service was great, and the items are priced well. Once home, I tried my chicken empanada. It was not in a flakey pastry shell, but it was more like a corn pancake..fluffy and thick with shredded chicken inside. It was delicious..I will definitely be back to try more items here.

I saw someone posted about this wonderful bakery on Facebook and after church I decided to stopped by and thankfully I did! They are located in Blanding Boulevard so try to be here early so you can avoid the Blanding traffic lol. They have few parking spots when I got there around 9:30 in the morning. I was greeted by this lovely girls working in front. when you first enter there is a hallways and then you turn right and you will see the counter and their bakery goodies! The ladies was super friendly! especially the one that helped me explained and answered all my questions and she never made me feel that I am annoying her lol she was so patient! I ordered this cake that has caramel on the middle and it was soooo good! I also ordered the Arepitas which was very interesting. It is 5 mini arepitas fried with mozzarella inside, it was different but the sauce they give you as a dip was actually really good. this bakery is so clean and they did an amazing job on the decorations inside. I will definitely will be back here!

Wow, this place is awesome! We came for the empanadas and were not disappointed. My wife loved the pabellon (roast beef and plantains). The ground beef and shredded chicken were great as well. I wish they had more sauce variety. The desserts are decadent. The two young ladies running the front end were very helpful and efficient. The prices were reasonable. They have plenty of seating. You might want to review the menu before you go.

My boyfriend and I stopped by this Amazing Venezuelan place and great environment. We have tried multiple Venezuelan places around jacksonville but this one takes number 1. Empanadas a 10 out of 10.

Great atmosphere ! The Service was done with grace & a smile! The Food was an exciting & new! Going back very soon

The customer service was stellar. Gilme took the time to explain the pastries and the food. The arepa was a little dry but other than that it was phenomenal. I got the Rumbera the pulled pork inside was incredibly seasoned. The little green sauce on the side was creamy and garlicky. I ordered some of the Pastelitos Andidos- pizza and shredded beef both were excellent. I took several of the delightful pastries home. One was better than the next. The puff pastry with Nutella was light and flaky and the filling was delicious. So glad to have such a wonderful place close to my house.

Fantastic customer service! Delicious fresh made food! Welcoming atmosphere very engaging helpful staff! So much to try we will be back tomorrow! Came back the next day & the food was just as fabulous as the first time if not better! Customer service is some of the best I have had & much more business today with more customers but they kept up with the quality of food & service!

Buenas tardes esta mañana pasamos por su tienda porque estaba altamente recomendada. Pedimos 3 empanadas de queso, 2 empanadas de carne, 4 cachitos, 2 sandwiches de pernil, una orden de tequeños , un café con leche, un marrón, agua con gas . Nos entregaron: Una empanada de carne, cero de queso, dos café con leche y los dos sandwiches y los tequeños. Cuando mi amiga le pidio al caballero (delgado alto de mala cara, parecía que nos estaba haciendo un favor en atendernos) que le diera otra medida de café para hacer un marron, el joven comenzó a discutir que eso no es lo que pedimos. (se va poner a discutir con un cliente por un poco de café que cuesta quizás 15 centavos?) Cuando al fin lo trajo de mala gana, mi amiga le dio las gracias y el descarado se largo! Mi amiga se volteo y le dijo: Se dice, de nada. Los cachitos estaban muy sabrosos pero eso no tenia forma de cachito sino mas bien de pan con queso y jamón, los tequeños tambien sabrosos pero eso no son los tequeños venezolanos, tendrían que se ser mas delgados y largos. Los sandwiches de pernil, nada que ver, eso parecía que lo hubiésemos comprado en Subway, el pan no era el correcto, no estaban planchados y ni siquiera tenían mayonesa o mostaza. . La muchacha que tomo las ordenes despistada, el muchacho de mala gana, ah y el agua con soda me la cobraron como Sprite. Pero eso si el señor que nos trajo la comida muy simpático y cordial con tremenda sonrisa. Pongan al malcarado en la cocina y el señor simpático atendiendo a los clientes y por favor entrenen mejor a la señorita que toma las ordenes. Yo por mi parte no vuelvo a pisar su establecimiento. Gracias.

Myself and entire family had food from this restaurant. Everything was amazing. This is the first time we all had Venezuelan food and it was so good. The food was large servings. The prices were good for the amount of food. They had dessert that look really good but I'm not a dessert person. I would definitely go back.

Awesome food awesome people really came thru and did a special request rainbow colored slider buns for my granddaughters 5th birthday Turned out better than we could of dreamed! Definitely will be going back for more empanadas too

I was pleasantly surprised with this new place. I'm always looking for a good Venezuelan place to bring back memories of my beautiful country and this place did not disappoint. Great food and awesome service! My family loved it! You need to give this place a try... if you have never tried Venezuelan food this is a great place to start!

When we arrived the young girl and guy at the counter looked at each other and gave a look like they were not happy to see customers. Like I thought it was weird the restaurant looked pretty empty for a Friday night. We ordered our food and waited 45 minutes for fried empanadas. We were with a group of 5 we ordered first and got our food last. The empanadas were so greasy it was oil logged and dripping with oil very gross! My husband ordered and when our food came to the table it was bagged I asked why and the server said in a very rude way that he said it was to go. She gave him a look like she could kill him. Offered no solution just a snarky response. My husband said he was not even asked if it was to go. As well as they like to gate keep the sauce you get with your empanada if you buy 1 you get a sauce you buy two they try not to give you the sauce that should come with it. As well as we asked for 3 hot sauces to share between 5 people and were told we would have to pay extra for anything over 2 sauces. We spent $75 on empanadas like why would you want to be like that about sauce that is the difference between good and great service and food. The sauce is much needed since the food is lacking in flavor. We have visited 4 times but this may be the last since the overall food and experience was less than stellar. I hate to write this review but you folks need to get it together.

We had a Pabellon empanada and one with sausage, grilled onions and tomato. Both were very good though we thought the fried dough was not dry and crispy or flaky. We also had Pabellon Bowls which were excellent. When they were served, my immediate thought was to smother it with something from a squirt bottle (typical American response) but I had it as intended and it was excellent. The portions were quite large and filling. We also had Iced Coffee with chocolate flavoring and the large Cappuccino with Almond Milk (lactose intolerant requirement). Both drinks were excellent. Service consisted of ordering at the counter then food and drinks are prepared then delivered to the table. Service was very good and both the gentleman who delivered the coffees and the lady who brought the food were friendly and offered to answer any questions we might have. We did look at the bakery cases which were full of very inviting items. We thought prices were reasonable. The dining area is one room with booths and tables and tables along the front where the windows are. The men's room was larger than expected for the size of the restaurant and it was clean. This restaurant would be an excellent location to meet friends for the coffee and pastries or just visit for a very good meal. This is a restaurant based on a particular culture and ethnicity which may limit the clientele base. We will certainly be returning as we enjoy this Argentinian style food though it is not a very frequent choice. I hope that the area supports this establishment sufficiently for them to remain viable. Their food and effort deserve it.

Great new Venezuelan bakery and cafe on Blanding Blvd south where the old El Agave Azul was near intersection of College/Blanding. Coffee was perfect! Doughnut was tasty and not overly sweet. Empanadas were huge,so very tasty and made to order! Service was excellent. Atmosphere was decorated very nicely with plenty of tables and booths.

Our first time at Avila Bakery, it was different. I'm glad we tried it but it just wasn't what we expected. We tried the Empanadas which was delicious and I also had a bowl which was alright unfortunately it was not hot only lukewarm.

We stopped in after seeing so many great reviews and it lived up to the hype. The tequenos were especially delicious. The pastry case was impressive and we look forward to trying some of those on our next trip

First time eating here and food was hot, fresh and tasty. I will be back to try some other tasty looking dishes.

Empanadas were delicious as were the sweets. Very nice people working there and very willing to answer questions. Will be back.

*Writing the review while enjoying an empanada* This place is great, the food is delicious. I had one empanada and one pastelito andino. Flavor was really good! Cashier and people serving the food were super nice as well.

Food, service and ambiance is really nice. We enjoyed our meal , last time we had food this good was in Venezuela. We highly recommend you eat here . 5 stars

I highly recommend this place if you're ever in the mood for Venezuelan food. Service was great and the place was nice and clean. Best arépa I've ever had!

Another great local spot! Food was delicious and perfect family place to eat authentic Venezuelan food! Service was great! Place was clean! Check it out and support a local spot!

Poor service. I ordered my food. Waited 1/2 for my food..Never was brought to table. Got refund for my food. No one apologized for the error.

just had lunch sandwich was excellent places is clean, and desserts. Look phenomenal.

Very tasty food , stopped in to try there empanadas and they are delicious , can't wait to come by and try all the other menu items

This bakery has only been open for a few weeks and I just found this place it is amazing everything taste, so incredible. They have so many different desserts. It's unreal and they're Empanadas oh yeah, excellent the people are very friendly and helpful and beautiful but what do you expect the Venezuelans and most of those women are gorgeous I highly recommend this place going back tomorrow with Wife to have lunch. Can't wait. I give it five stars.o

I do not live far from the restaurant and was out looking for something different. I was in the facility around three o'clock. As I did not know what to order as I am not familiar with the cuisine I order the french fry bowl. I felt that was something that would be safe for me to try in an attempt to get to know what type of food it was. I placed my order (it was $18.00 and some change) when the young man wearing a ball cap told pulled out a $1.00 bill and said he did not have enough change. As it is a new restaurant and the kinks are being worked I said keep the change. I was given a device to place on the table so they would know what order was mine. The food was brought to my table and I was kinda surprised that there was no bowl. Then I looked at what was given to me. Maybe two scoops of rice as very small container of black beans, a plate that had three small containers of condiments, and a slab of meat. They recognized that I was a little taken aback. I did not want to make a scene so I accepted the food. The rice was bland, the slab of meat had no flavor (I do not believe it had any seasoning) and it was tough. I did not even try the black beans as if the rice was this bad and the meat had no flavor and was tough I was not going to try the beans. I had one bite of the rice and two bites of the meat. I can say the lemonade that I got was good. After the three bites I got up and left. As I walked by the register I believe it was the gentleman wearing the ball cap said something. I replied that I was done. I will not be going back and will not recommend it. I am sorry that I had to give the site one star, I would have preferred rating it with no star. I can say that the inside of the facility was very bright.